Authorised MS distributors names leaked
Some distributors learn of their fate but others remain in the dark about the software giant's decisions
The identity of the distributors that have been awarded Microsoft’s coveted Authorised status finally began to trickle through last week, despite the vendor remaining tight-lipped about the appointments.
CRN understands that Bell Microproducts Europe has retained its status with the vendor, although it is believed that Gem Distribution has lost some elements of its Microsoft licensing contract.
Sources have told CRN that Westcoast has been appointed as an Authorised distributor, while it is believed that Actebis may have lost its status.
Information regarding the status of Enta Technologies and Computer 2000, Microsoft’s other existing distributors, has yet to be revealed.
Steve Haddock, partner group manager at Microsoft, recently told CRN: “Any distributor will not go overnight. There will be a three-month window to ensure resellers can still source Microsoft technology.
“I realise there is an impact at all levels, but nothing will be detrimental to our partners.”
Despite the software giant’s recent assurance that all of its distributors would know two weeks ago, it has since confirmed that it has yet to inform all of the relevant distributors. This latest delay follows the re-assessment process, which was split up into various sections, such as face-to-face interviews, and was also dogged by delays (CRN, 9 October).
Gordon Davies, chief executive of Compusys Consulting, told CRN that he cannot understand why there has been long delays.
“Initially, the channel thought there was going to be some big changes made, but now it seems that’s not the case,” he said. “So it’s hard to understand why it is keeping the changes so close to its chest. Microsoft desperately needs some fresh distribution blood.”
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Microsoft's Authorised distributors to be announced